AGRICULTURE Secretary William Dar on Tuesday turned over the P93.3 million worth of agriculture and fishery projects in Lanao del Norte’s local government units, as part of efforts to further improve the province’s  farm sector amid Covid-19 pandemic.

Dar was assisted by DA 10 and other local government officials during the turn over of various agri-interventions to the recipients held in Bacolod town in Lanao del Norte on Nov. 24.

"It's  part of the government’s efforts in increasing agricultural productivity, income of farmers and fisherfolk during this health crisis," said Dar.

Dar handed over of P10.5 million worth of various agri-machineries, inputs and projects, under the Special Area for Agriculture Development (SAAD) program to the local governments of Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Munai, Nunungan, Poona Piagapo, Sapad and Tangcal.

Dar said the aid amount is part of the department’s COVID-19 response under the SAAD that includes agri machinery, tools, corn and vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers and other inputs.

The province of Lanao del Norte received 13,583 bags of inorganic fertilizers under the DA's rice program amounting P13,583,000.00 in support of their rice farmers.

Dar was with DA 10 regional executive director Carlene C. Collado, regional technical director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, BFAR 10 director Teodoro A. Bacolod, Jr. and PhilRice Agusan Branch Director Caesar Joventino Tado and local officials during the turn-over.

Additional P22.07 million for the 29,050 bags certified inbred rice seeds for 2021 under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed program in support to the rice farmers in the province from the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice).

Dar said during the last two quarters, amid the pandemic, the agriculture sector is the only sector with a positive growth.

"This is an indication na katuwang natin ang LGUs, mga magsasaka at mangingisda na hindi sumuko sa pandemiya,” said Dar.

Also received grant worth P1 million composed of vehicles and support to capital and equipment was the Paglingkawas Women’s Federation of Kauswagan town, the beneficiary of the type-A grant for Packing House Facilities under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

Under the Philippine Rural Development Project, the Dulag Farmers Association of Iligan City received P2.9 million worth of Abaca fiber consolidation, processing, and marketing in support of the infrastructure and food security program of the department.

Dar also handed over the P30 million award to Bacolod local government being the 2019 national grand winner of the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10.

In support of EO 70, Kauswagan local government received 30,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings worth P75,000 as livelihood intervention to the fisherfolk, while LGU Maigo received P3 million community fish landing center.

Aside from the turnover of projects, a P10 million certificate of commitment was awarded for the small ruminant production under the livestock program Bayanihan Act II for LGU Tubod and MSU Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (LNAC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

“My big salute to the farmers and fisherfolk of Lanao del Norte. We want to continue that momentum," said Dar.

He said that the growth must continue to be observed and felt by the farmers and fisherfolk in terms of productivity and increasing income. 

"Dapat ang mga magsasaka at mangingingsda ay yayaman gawa ng pagtulong ng national at local government,” he said. (Angie T. Cabig/DA-10)